OCJ - Trial Court Administrator

Judicial Administration & Leadership

Partners closely with the Chief Judge to implement the Court’s strategic vision, operational goals, and policy priorities.

Provides executive leadership and administrative guidance to all non-judicial court divisions and departments.

Covers coordination with Presiding Judges, Circuit Judges, and Judicial Committees to ensure consistent implementation of court policies and procedures.

Facilitates policy discussions related to court operations, personnel, facilities, security, and long-range planning.

Strategic Planning & Performance Management

Leads strategic planning initiatives and ensures alignment of programs and operations with Court objectives.

Oversees development, monitoring, and reporting of performance measures and operational metrics.

Identifies issues affecting case flow and court efficiency and recommends or implements corrective measures.

Conducts research and analysis of court operations, staffing models, facilities, and information systems.

Budget & Fiscal Administration

Oversees preparation, administration, and justification of the Court’s operating and capital budgets.

Maintains fiscal integrity and compliance with applicable laws and policies.

Evaluates new program requests and funding needs and coordinates grant development and administration.

Implements cost-effective practices and resource allocation strategies.

Executes executive oversight of recruitment, hiring, supervision, evaluation, discipline, and professional development of non-judicial staff.

Directly supervises senior administrative and departmental leadership staff.

Ensures compliance with all personnel related federal, state and local regulations.

Intergovernmental & External Relations

Serves as the Court’s primary liaison with county, state, and federal agencies, justice partners, and community organizations.

Coordinates with the Sheriff’s Office and other entities regarding court security and facility operations.

Maintains effective working relationships with the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts and other judicial stakeholders.

Addresses inquiries, complaints, and issues raised by court users, attorneys, and the public.

Monitors legislative developments, Supreme Court Rules, administrative orders, and emerging trends in court administration.

Develops and recommends policies, procedures, and operational improvements.

Ensures confidentiality, ethical conduct, and adherence to judicial standards.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Trial Court Administrator exercises overall administrative authority for multiple court divisions and departments through subordinate supervisors and managers.

Responsibilities include workforce planning, performance management, employee development, conflict resolution, and organizational effectiveness.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of judicial systems, court administration principles, and applicable statutes and rules.

Demonstrated ability to implement policies and administrative directives.

Proven executive leadership, strategic thinking, and change management skills.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.

Ability to manage complex organizations, competing priorities, and large-scale initiatives.

Education, Experience and Residency Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university, with a BA or BS degree, and ten (10) years of highly responsible court managerial experience, seven (7) years of which must have been at the executive level, directing financial, budgetary, employee and labor relations, information technology and public relations, in a large, complex organization.

Successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation required.

Establish residency in Cook County within six (6) months of hiring.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Court Administration, Public Administration or Justice Management or related fields, Juris Doctor, or equivalent advanced degree.

Certification through the Institute for Court Management as a Certified Court Executive (CCE) or Fellowship.

Experience within a large, urban court system or governmental organization.